Journalism Wins at Santa Anita, Confirms Kentucky Derby Potential
San Felipe Stakes Victory Secures Spot in the May 3 Derby
ARCADIA — He has been many handicappers’ horse of the future, boasting the pedigree and connections to get better as distances increase and the Kentucky Derby trail steepens.
Journalism’s Dominant Performance
The 3-year-old Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli, swept up on the outside of 2-5 favorite Barnes, got the lead with 100 yards to go and went on to win by 1¾ lengths in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes. Adding 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the 10 he’d earned by winning the Los Alamitos Futurity in December, Journalism almost certainly has enough to secure a spot in the May 3 Derby no matter where he finishes in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby.
Trainer’s Assessment
"It’s a little overwhelming to think where this horse could go," trainer Michael McCarthy said. "I was confident, but I wasn’t overconfident. I thought he was where he needed to be to run well. It’s pretty exciting to think where he could go from here if he moves forward (improves) off this race."
Stakes Wins Abound for McCarthy
The victory was part of a huge day for McCarthy and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, which is among Journalism’s owners. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners also is the principal owner of Locked, the impressive winner of the $300,000, Grade I Santa Anita Handicap, the afternoon’s main event. McCarthy ended up winning all three stakes on the Santa Anita Handicap undercard as Formidable Man and Rispoli captured the $300,000, Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile, and Liguria and Flavien Prat took the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes.
Conclusion
Journalism’s dominant performance in the San Felipe Stakes cements his position as a top contender for the Kentucky Derby. With his impressive display of speed and endurance, he is likely to be a force to be reckoned with on the Triple Crown trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of Journalism’s San Felipe Stakes victory?
- The victory secured Journalism’s spot in the May 3 Kentucky Derby, with 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points earned.
- What was Journalism’s performance like in the San Felipe Stakes?
- Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli, won by 1¾ lengths, sweeping up on the outside of 2-5 favorite Barnes and getting the lead with 100 yards to go.
- How many Kentucky Derby qualifying points did Journalism earn in the San Felipe Stakes?
- Journalism earned 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points, adding to the 10 he’d earned by winning the Los Alamitos Futurity in December.
